The House of Yeap Chor Ee was the first home of Yeap Chor Ee, a young immigrant who came to Penang in 1885 and worked as a barber before becoming a captain of industry at the turn of the 20th century.

The building was turned into a Social History Gallery in 2008. Through the journey of Yeap Chor Ee, the gallery gives an insight into his remarkable life and the lives of immigrants who arrived on the island from China, more than 100 years ago.

Pride in family history

Very impressive and lovingly presented exhibit. An inspirational tour of the life of a great man. We are proud to be the first Portuguese visitors which is even more special as we are deeply fond of Chinese culture and the Chinese people. Congratulations.

— Jose, Anna and Ines Pena, August 2012

We were very impressed with the way you managed to tell the unique story of the Straits Chinese immigrant experience by focusing on the incredible accomplishments of Yeap Chor Ee. I thought that the videos you created were both entertaining and informative. The videos gave the context for understanding the social and political world that the migrants entered into. I particularly appreciated their charming whimsical and naive format that were able to express complex ideas about economic development.The use of contemporary design in an old structure gave one the sense of the continuity of this family history. The photographs and newspaper images,graphs and genealogy all helped to clarify this rags to riches story. On one hand the viewer followed the dynamic development of an individual family, but at the same time gained insight into the struggles of the Chinese migrants and their contributions to the development of Georgetown and Malaysia. Kudos on the design of the entire project.

— Michael Shuste - Curator, Eastwest Centre, Honululu, July 2012

Incredibly beautiful. Unique!

— Braschi, Roma, Italy May 2012

Wow! One of the best museums we have ever been to in Malaysia - we have been to nearly all! Worth many visits. Well done indeed!

— Mr & Mrs MC Rawlinson, Penang, April 2012

This is the most comprehensive recording of Penang’s social history I have ever come across.